On October 7, 2023, several Hamas terrorists infiltrated southern Israel and managed to take several hundred people back to Gaza as hostages, in addition to murdering over 1,200 people.
Their safety has been the subject of great concern to the Israeli public, who campaign for their release and safety as the IDF's war on Hamas continues. So far, several hostages have been released, most of them due to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
It is currently unknown exactly how many hostages are currently alive in Gaza, though most estimates place it at over 100 at the time of writing.
Parents of American-born hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin speak about their ongoing struggle to free their son and the other remaining hostages from Hamas captivity.
Avraham was released after 51 days in captivity in a serious, life-threatening condition and was rushed to the hospital via helicopter.
This is not a cynical call for unity; our society has so much to heal from and work towards.
New survey shows more Israelis want hostage deal than Rafah op • Gallant threatens Hezbollah • Reports of UNRWA stealing aid
Arab Israelis, with far more consensus than Jewish Israelis (88.5%), said that Israel’s priority should be reaching a deal to release the remaining hostages.
Not the huge incursion we imagined, Rafah is nonetheless significant; Israel’s threat to take over Rafah is real, even if it will be done slowly and in parts.
Yad Labanim chair urges leaders to call publicly to maintain sanctity of Remembrance Day, keep division and political arguments out of military cemeteries.
The project is part of an effort to document the testimony of those who were held hostage by Hamas.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the Hamas hostage deal was a ploy to stop the invasion of Rafah, and he would leave the government if the invasion gets canceled.
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